Electricity & Safety Unit

Teachers notes - Lesson 2 - Slide 2

Outcomes

Outcomes Indicators

Describes safe practices that are appropriate to a range of situations and environments.

Makes informed decisions and accepts responsibility for consequences.

Practices emergency response procedures, for example, fi rst aid and dial 000.

Devises strategies to respond to risky and dangerous situations, for example, electrical equipment.

Recognises a medical emergency and knows how to give and gain assistance.

Most of the time electricity is safe. But sometimes a dangerous electrical situation can happen and we risk receiving an electric shock if we don’t know what to do. We have to be smart and we have to be careful or we could be in for a big shock!

Electricity & Safety Unit

Teachers notes - Lesson 2 - Slide 2

Outside safety We all like to play outside, but there are electrical hazards that we need to know about. Electricity poles and wires are all around us. They can be above us, next to us, and even below us. Play in open spaces away from electricity poles, towers and powerlines.

Remember:

- If you fl y a kite and it gets caught in the overhead powerlines, live electricity could traveldown the string and seriously hurt you. Look up before you fl y!

- Never climb a tree that is near powerlines. Look up before you climb!

- After a storm, fallen powerlines can be hidden in fallen trees and branches. If you see afallen powerline, there is a strong chance they are still alive. Stay at least 10 metres clear ofthem, warn others and ask an adult to call Triple Zero (000).

- Never throw anything over powerlines as this could cause the powerlines to come downand seriously hurt you.

- Pillar boxes have live electrical equipment inside. Be careful when playing around them. Ifthe cover is loose or damaged, stay clear and ask an adult to report it immediately.

Safety around metal We all come into contact with metal objects everyday – turning on a tap, playing with our computers and toys and even using the fridge. Because metal conducts electricity you have to be very careful when you use metal items.

Remember:

- Never put a metal object like a knife into a toaster. It is very dangerous!

- Never put anything in a power point that’s not meant for it. Electricity will travel right up themetal object into your body.

- Be careful when climbing a ladder at home. The powerlines connected to your house areusually protected, but they can be damaged by rubbing against the gutter or a tree orthrough exposure to the sun. If a person is on a metal ladder and touches the exposed linethe electricity will travel through their body to the earth.

- Shocks and tingles can be a sign that something is wrong with the electricity supply. If youget a shock from an electrical appliance or water taps, ask an adult to report it immediately.

Electricity & Safety Unit

Teachers notes - Lesson 2 - Slide 2

Safety around water Water can conduct electricity because electrons can fl ow by hitching a ride on atoms and molecules in the water. Water contains dissolved substances, such as salt. These greatly increase the ability of water to conduct electricity. That’s why electricity passes easily through our bodies – because our bodies contain water and salt.

Remember:

- Never touch electrical appliances or switches with wet hands.

- Don’t use electrical appliances or touch switches while standing on wet ground in bare feet.

- Keep all electrical appliances away from water like swimming pools and fi lled baths andbasins.

Dangerous situations Always be on the lookout for electrical dangers in and around your home. This could be anything from frayed and damaged electrical leads (where you can see the wires) to an overloaded power point with piggy backed plugs – one with too many plugs in it. These situations could be life threatening and a licensed electrical contractor should be called in to fi x them.

Remember:

- Faulty appliances and damaged electrical leads should be turned off and disconnected atthe power point and fi xed or replaced by a licensed electrical contractor. Not Dad or Mum.Wrapping frayed or damaged cords with tape is not fi xing them.

- Never overload power points with piggy backed plugs. Use a power board or have an extrapower point installed. Overloaded power points can cause fi res.

- Before you or your family do any major digging in the yard you should get Mum or Dad toring ‘Dial Before you Dig’ on 1100 or visit www.1100.com.au. They can make sure thereare no underground cables near your property. If you hit one you could receive an electricshock as well as possibly interrupting the power to your suburb.

Electricity & Safety Unit

Teachers notes - Lesson 2 - Slide 2

Electricity substations You will fi nd electricity substations and power equipment all over the place. They are behind fences, in buildings or on the side of the footpath and most have danger signs. Substations transform the voltage generated at power stations so it can be distributed to homes, schools and businesses. Sometimes they are near parks and play areas. Substations are safe, but you must follow the rules and stay away from them.

Remember:

- Sometimes it’s tempting to ignore signs and fences around substations. Remember, thewarnings are there for everyone’s protection, so make sure you follow them!

- Substations contain special equipment with invisible hazards. You don’t even have to touchanything to get hurt. Just being too close to some substation equipment can be dangerousand may even kill you!

Electrical emergencies We all hope that we are never in an emergency involving electricity (e.g. damaged cords, fallen powerlines or a car accident), but if we are, it’s important to know what to do. If you come across an emergency involving electricity:

Remember:

- Ensure your own safety.

- Warn others and get an adult.

- Ring 000.

- Turn the power off at the power point and remove the plug (if it is safe for you to do so)without touching the cord.